US President Joe Biden announced he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race to allow a new generation to take over, citing concerns about the future of US democracy, Reuters reports.
In his first public remarks since ending his re-election bid, Biden referenced former presidents and expressed his deep respect for the office, stating his decision was driven by his love for the country. Biden resisted Democratic pressure to step aside until internal polling indicated a potential loss to Donald Trump and its negative impact on fellow Democrats. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has since secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee. Biden emphasized the importance of democracy and warned against the dangers of a Trump presidency without naming him directly.
Biden’s announcement marks him as the first incumbent president not to seek reelection since Lyndon Johnson in 1968. He will continue to focus on key issues, including NATO unity, stopping Putin in Ukraine, negotiating a Gaza ceasefire, and Supreme Court reform for the remaining six months of his term.
